Roasted green beans and carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal. This combination of vibrant green beans and sweet, caramelized carrots offers a delicious and healthy contrast in textures and flavors. Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness while adding depth and richness, making them irresistible.
This recipe adds an extra layer of flavor with a drizzle of garlic brown butter, a touch of lemon zest, and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan. It’s an easy, hands-off way to prepare vegetables, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal while these veggies roast to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, these roasted green beans and carrots will surely be a hit at the table.
Why Roasted Green Beans and Carrots Are the Best Side Dish
Roasting vegetables like green beans and carrots is one of the simplest and most flavorful ways to cook them. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a delightful crispy edge. The addition of garlic brown butter, lemon zest, and parmesan brings a layer of richness and brightness, making the dish truly irresistible. Plus, this side dish is versatile enough to pair with virtually any main course, from roasted meats to pasta dishes.
Roasting is also an incredibly easy cooking method. It requires minimal effort but delivers exceptional results, making it a go-to method for busy home cooks or those looking to prepare something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Substitutions
One of the best things about this roasted green beans and carrots recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
1. Green Beans
Fresh green beans are ideal for this recipe, providing the perfect crunch and texture. If fresh green beans aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen green beans, though they may not have the same crispness when roasted.
2. Carrots
Carrots add sweetness and a lovely texture when roasted. They can be sliced into rounds or halved lengthwise for more uniform cooking. If you’re looking to try a different root vegetable, parsnips or sweet potatoes work wonderfully as a substitute.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is essential for helping the vegetables cook evenly while contributing a rich, smooth flavor. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil for a neutral, healthy alternative.
4. Honey
Honey enhances the caramelization of the carrots and green beans while adding a touch of natural sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup for a more complex sweetness or brown sugar if you prefer a richer, molasses-like flavor.
5. Garlic and Butter
The garlic brown butter adds depth and richness to the dish. The brown butter is especially important because it infuses the vegetables with a nutty, savory flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter instead.
6. Parmesan and Lemon Zest
Fresh parmesan cheese adds a savory and slightly salty finish to the dish, while lemon zest brings a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter.
7. Salt and Pepper
Seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors and brings the dish together. You can adjust the amount based on personal preference.
How to Make Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
This recipe is as simple as it gets! Here’s how to make your roasted green beans and carrots in just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the vegetables don’t stick and roast evenly.
Step 2: Toss the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss the green beans and carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure the vegetables are well coated. This will help them cook evenly and enhance the caramelization.
Step 3: Spread on the Baking Sheet
Pour the vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the vegetables, as this can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Vegetables
Roast the vegetables for 30-35 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the green beans have a few blistered spots. Check the carrots with a fork to ensure they’re fully cooked. If you prefer them more caramelized, leave them in the oven for a few extra minutes.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Brown Butter
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the garlic brown butter. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once melted, add the garlic slices and cook them for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The butter will start to foam, and golden brown bits will form. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the butter. Once browned, remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice for a zesty finish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the roasted green beans and carrots are done, pour the garlic brown butter over the vegetables. Toss to coat and sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Variations for Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to tweak it to suit your tastes and make it your own. Here are some expert tips and variations to help you get the most out of this simple but flavorful dish.
1. Cut Your Vegetables Evenly
For the best results, it’s essential to cut the carrots and green beans into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook at the same rate. If the carrots are much thicker than the green beans, they may not cook through properly, and the green beans might overcook. Try to choose carrots that are similar in size, or cut them into halves or quarters to match the size of your green beans.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
One common mistake when roasting vegetables is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the veggies are too close together, they will steam rather than roast, leading to soggy vegetables instead of crispy, caramelized edges. If needed, use two baking sheets so the vegetables have plenty of space to roast evenly.
3. Brown the Butter Slowly
The key to garlic brown butter is patience. Don’t rush this step! Browning the butter slowly over low to medium heat ensures that the garlic becomes golden and fragrant without burning. The brown bits that form in the butter are what give it that nutty, savory flavor. Keep an eye on it, and once the garlic turns golden, remove it from the heat to avoid overcooking.
4. Add More Flavor with Herbs
While the garlic brown butter and lemon zest give this dish amazing flavor, you can take it to the next level by adding fresh or dried herbs. Try adding:
Thyme or rosemary for an earthy, aromatic touch.
Basil for a hint of sweetness.
Oregano for a more robust flavor.
Add the herbs when tossing the vegetables or sprinkle them on top just before serving to infuse more complexity into the dish.
5. Boost the Sweetness with Additional Veggies
If you want to make this dish even more colorful and flavorful, try adding other vegetables. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash would pair beautifully with the green beans and carrots. Their sweetness balances the savory garlic butter and enhances the overall flavor profile.
6. Vegan Option
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the butter for vegan butter or olive oil and omit the parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor if you like!
7. For Extra Char and Crispness
For a little extra crispness, broil the vegetables on HIGH for 1-3 minutes at the end of the roasting time. This step will give them a nice, charred finish. Be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
What to Serve with Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
Roasted green beans and carrots are versatile enough to pair with many different main dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve them with:
1. Roast Chicken or Turkey
The savory, caramelized flavor of the green beans and carrots complements the richness of roasted chicken or turkey. This makes for a comforting, complete meal that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner or a holiday spread.
2. Grilled Pork Chops
Roasted vegetables pair excellently with grilled meats, and pork chops are no exception. The sweetness of the carrots and the garlic brown butter enhance the flavors of the tender, savory pork.
3. Steak or Beef Tenderloin
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner, serve these roasted veggies alongside a perfectly cooked steak or beef tenderloin. The richness of the steak is balanced by the bright, savory flavors of the roasted vegetables.
4. Salmon or Fish
The freshness and lightness of fish, especially salmon, are perfectly balanced by the rich, savory roasted vegetables. The lemon zest in the vegetables ties in beautifully with the citrusy notes in the fish.
5. Vegetarian Dishes
If you prefer a plant-based meal, serve these roasted vegetables with a grain like quinoa, farro, or rice. You can also pair them with a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh for a filling meal.
Storing and Reheating Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
If you have leftovers, roasted green beans and carrots store well and can be easily reheated for a quick meal the next day.
Storing:
Let the roasted vegetables cool to room temperature before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the vegetables on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
For the best texture, reheating in the oven will help retain the roasted crispiness, especially if you want to avoid soggy vegetables.
FAQs On Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
How long to roast green beans and carrots in the oven?
To roast green beans and carrots in the oven, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the vegetables for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The carrots should be tender and slightly caramelized, while the green beans will be crisp-tender with some blistered edges. If you prefer a bit more char, you can broil them for an additional 1-3 minutes at the end.
Can I roast green beans with other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily roast green beans with other vegetables! They pair well with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets. Other great additions include bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of vegetable you’re adding.
Do carrots and green beans go together?
Absolutely! Carrots and green beans complement each other beautifully. The sweetness of the carrots balances the slightly grassy flavor of the green beans, and when roasted, they both develop caramelized edges and a tender texture. This combination makes a flavorful and nutritious side dish that works well with a variety of main courses.
What is the best flavor to add to green beans?
Green beans have a mild flavor that pairs well with many seasonings. The best flavors to add to green beans include:
Garlic and butter for richness and savory depth.
Lemon zest or lemon juice for brightness.
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic touch.
Parmesan cheese for a savory, umami finish.
Balsamic vinegar for a tangy, sweet contrast.
You can experiment with different combinations of these flavors based on your preferences and the main dish you’re serving.
How to season roast carrots?
To season roast carrots, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper as a basic seasoning. For added flavor, you can include:
Honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
Garlic for an extra savory kick.
Cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy flavor.
Thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous note.
Lemon juice or orange zest to add a citrusy brightness.
Make sure to coat the carrots evenly with the seasonings before roasting them to ensure consistent flavor.
Recipe Card: Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
Ingredients:
12 ounces fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1 1/2 pounds (24 ounces) whole carrots, sliced in half
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons butter
6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: Fresh parmesan cheese and lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the green beans, carrots, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the vegetables out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper roasting.
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through. The carrots should be tender and the green beans lightly blistered.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the garlic brown butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic slices and cook for 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Stir in the lemon juice.
Once the vegetables are done, remove from the oven and toss with the garlic brown butter. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parmesan and lemon zest before serving.
Notes:
For a variation, you can add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or broccoli to the roasted vegetables.
Be sure to cut the carrots evenly for consistent cooking. You can also cut the carrots into smaller pieces if desired.
If you prefer extra caramelization, broil the vegetables on HIGH for the last 1-3 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 105 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 1mg
Sodium: 284mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 11g
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 105 per serving
Yield: 6 servings
